To go in work with a sick note?

[carelesswhisper27]

I suffer from migraines & have done for the past 15 years.

They generally were once every 3-6 months for the first 10 years, but about 5 years ago stepped up a gear and became once or twice a week. At that point I went onto preventative meds and have been ever since. Generally this has controlled the migraine attacks and reduced them again back down to every 3-6 months and reduced the severity so sometimes I can even go about my normal life after an hour or so of lying in a dark room.

In the past fortnight I have had 7 migraines, all 'old school' in terms of intensity. I have struggled to do anything when I have one, and have felt very nauseous - and have vomited with almost all of them (something I hadn't done with a migraine for about 3 years).

During this time I've been sent home from work on three separate occasions. I've also spoken to my GP three times. Initially they increased the dose of my preventatives. The second time they prescribed naratriptan for taking during an attack. (I tried it yesterday and still couldn't stay at work due to extreme nausea). Yesterday at my wits end I asked the GP for a referral - through work I can get a private appointment pretty quickly. My GP said no as its too soon, she thinks I'm putting a lot of pressure on myself to get back to work after each attack (admittedly I am, they have a strict absence procedure like most places these days) and the worry of another attack is causing me to get them so frequently.

Which brings me to my AIBU. She has signed me off for 2 weeks. However I've worked for my company just under a year and sick pay only kicks in after 12 months, therefore I'd be going unpaid for 2 weeks (other than statutory sick pay). DP says we can take the hit and will manage, but I hate the thought of losing so much money. Also as I mentioned they have a strict sickness policy and three 'occasions' of sickness now means a formal disciplinary meeting. So I'm keen to get back to work ASAP. Any thought and advice much appreciated!

[TheRealBarenziah]

careless, employers like yours make me so angry. General Practice is under unprecedented strain and GPs do not have time to be writing unnecessary notes to satisfy the whims of petty employers. A further note would be private work, not an NHS service. If I were your GP, if your boss insisted on a note saying you were fit to go back to work, I'd tell you to tell them that I'd be invoicing them for it. Them, not you - this is NOT your fault.

Most stupid requests evaporate when the requester realises that GPs' private work has a cost, just like a solicitor's or accountant's does.

[writingonthewall]

I'm a GP , I would tell you to tell your employer that I'm happy to do another note if they request it in writing with your written consent and expect to pay a fee. The problem always goes away. This is basic HR and your employer should know it.

[carelesswhisper27]

Fingers crossed it gets resolved.

My manager has said she will go back to HR and see what is said. I've made them aware if it can be done there will be a £20 fee. Surely they (work) won't expect me to pay it!?

I can't believe there is all this fuss - you'd think they would be happy to have an employee back willing to work.

[velocitykate]

I think if you look at the DWP guidelines (or whatever they're called) they state very clearly that there is no requirement to get a back to work note. If you feel well enough to be at work, you go back to work. GPs and other doctors don't have crystal balls and cannot predict exactly how long someone will be unwell for, so with short term things, they will often err on the side of caution and give a note for longer than they think you will need it so you don't have to keep going back for more notes.

Regarding the migraine, I would definitely be pushing for a referral - if you have private medical insurance, or work will pay, it's a no brainer. It's all very well telling you to take two weeks off and see if they get better, but even if they do, you are no further forward if they then just start back again when you go back to work - they need to be manageable within your lifestyle.

You may need to try a different prophylactic medication - there are many that can be effective for migraine. Oh and if one triptan doesn't work for you, don't assume (and don't let your GP assume) that none of them will work. Most of the migraine treatment Guidelines say that they are all slightly different and recommend going through all of them until you find one that works for you. Good luck - Hope you feel better soon.